Expressions of Indigenous internationalism are practiced in several different ways by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island and globally. Encompassing Indigenous trade relations, diplomatic protocols, treaty arrangements, acts of solidarity and other assertions of self-determining authority, Indigenous internationalism is an emerging area of research that exposes tensions between Indigenous nations and states over border policies and highlights Indigenous relationships that transcend state borders. This institute will examine the ways that Indigenous nations are expressing their relationships to lands and waters through complex diplomacies and forms of engagement, as well as their experiences with state border crossings. Drawing on Indigenous peoples’ perspectives across Turtle Island and beyond, each session will include short lectures, discussion, and an examination of case studies.
Jeff Ganohalidoh Corntassel is a writer, teacher and father from the Cherokee Nation. He is a Professor in Indigenous Studies, and cross-listed Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Victoria. Dr. Corntassel is a Co-Principle Investigator at Borders in Globalization alongside Dr. Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly and the lead of Pillar 1: Indigenous Internationalism. Jeff’s research and teaching interests focus on “Everyday Acts of Resurgence” and the intersections between Indigenous internationalism, community resurgence, climate change, gender, and community well-being. situates his work at the grassroots with many Indigenous led community-based programs and initiatives ranging from local food movement initiatives, land-based renewal projects to gendered colonial violence and protection of homelands.
Cynthia Pye is a proud Inuk from NunatuKavut, Labrador, Canada. She joined the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in 2007, following a 15 year career as a teacher, literacy and education programming manager for remote Indigenous communities and a private sector HR training manager. At the CBSA, Cynthia is a trusted and humble leader who amplifies Indigenous voices and advances Reconciliation in her everyday work. Throughout her career, she led the development of various national corporate training programs that included innovative Nation-to-Nation co-development projects like the Akwesasne cultural training project. Her approach to Nation-to-Nation partnerships became the benchmark of best engagement practices for the CBSA. She also led the development of the CBSA Indigenous Training Program and currently is currently a Director in the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat. Cynthia is a co-founder and a current co-chair of an Indigenous Training and Development Community of Practice that is devoted to sharing best practices in Indigenous Programming across the Canadian Public Service. She is also the first Indigenous Co-Champion for Indigenous Peoples for the CBSA. Cynthia has twice been awarded the CBSA President’s Award, the Agency’s highest honour, for her innovative work.
Gerry Ambers is Kwakwaka’wakw from the ‘Namgis Nation in Alert Bay, and the mother of five children and six grandchildren. Gerry was one of the founding members of the Native Alliance for Red Power (NARP). The group formed in 1967 in Vancouver, BC (Coast Salish / Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Səl̓ílwətaʔ and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories). NARP’s reach extended beyond state borders, interacting with the broader Red Power movement and the Black Panther movement. Today, Gerry supports the work of art galleries, Indigenous organizations and post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island as an Elder, mentor and healing worker.
Cheryl Bryce is a Lekwungen knowledge-holder and kwetlal/camas protector. She runs the Lekwungen Community Toolshed, an initiative that brings people together to do invasive plant species removal and Indigenous plant restoration on Songhees territory. She also runs Colonial Reality Tours, where she provides a history of the land that delves beyond the visible colonial structures.
Shoukia van Beek (she/her) is a settler-scholar and graduate student at the University of Victoria, on W̱SÁNEĆ & Lək̓ʷəŋən territories. Shoukia’s research examines how borders, and their associated practices, function as a mechanism of settler-colonialism. Her work is rooted in, and takes place at the intersection of, literatures and theories of political ecology, border studies, and Indigenous sovereignty, actively centring an anti-colonial, anti-capitalist, and abolitionist legal-geographic analysis and epistemological commitment. Shoukia is a PhD Fellow with the BIG Team.
Thomas Tawhiri is Indigenous Māori, Director of operations building operational capability of Te Matatini through growth of regional development to support Mana Motuhake ki te kainga, matatū, mataora, matatini ki te ao. He is also a researcher in Indigenous Studies. He holds a Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi along with a postgraduate diploma in Māori Studies from Massey University. He was Indigenous Māori Custom Manager for Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa (New Zealand Customs Service).
This institute can be taken to fulfill requirements for the following streams:
